The Urban Dictionary Mug

A situation in which both parties are too nice to let themselves win at the other's expense. The opposite of a Mexican standoff.

For example, if two Canadians arrive simultaneously at a narrow doorway, each is likely to stand aside and invite the other to cross first, and so on, until they both give up, set up camp for the winter, and offer each other a beer.

When we were watching the game last night, my buddy and I got ourselves into a real Canadian standoff over the last slice of bacon pizza. It just ended up going cold.

The Urban Dictionary Mug

A Canadian stand-off is a situation where in which two or more individuals are are tryin to pass each other in a hallway or intersection, and when confronted with the question of who willmove first or have the right of way all of the individuals refuse to move saying things such as "no you first." Or "by all means." In this situation every one is too polite for any action to take place.

Tom: you first

Jack: no no by all means you sir
5min later....
Jack: boy that sure was a Canadian stand-off.